Fermoy News

Blackwater Tri members do well at middle distance event in Athlone

Last Sunday, 6 club members travelled to Athlone take part in the inaugural Shadowman middle distance triathlon. Also known as a half-ironman, the race consisted of a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike and a 21.1km run. Ed Bates, Joe Scanlan, Adam Blaiklock, Niamh Fleming, Michael McCarthy and Mary McEvoy were representing the club.
The race began with the swim in Lough Ree, followed by a 90km bike around the lake. The run was on fast and flat. Over 200 people took part in the race, which was very much enjoyed by all (that was the consensus after the race, rather than during it!).
Ed Bates was first home for the club with Joe only minutes behind. Mary was the 7th female overall. It was Joe’s first race of that distance and he posted a fantastic time. All others achieved personal bests over the distance – well done to all on a very successful day’s racing. Also racing last weekend was James Slowey Jnr. James was racing in the Errigal international youth 3-day race. Well done James!
THE EDGE SPORTS BLACKWATER TRIATHLON
The Blackwater Triathlon Club are delighted to once again have The Edge Sports on board as the main sponsors of the event. In addition to the normal sprint race, which consists of a 750m swim, 20km bike and 6km run, this year we will also be holding a try-a-tri event.
The idea of the try-a-tri is to give those who are unsure if they want to complete the full distance, or those who are less confident in the water the option of a shorter swim route. The try-a-tri will have a 250m swim, 20km bike and 6km run. The bike and run will follow the same route as the main sprint event, the only difference being the shorter swim, all of which will be downstream.
We have heard repeatedly and indeed we are well aware ourselves as a club (as most of us have been there also!) that the swim is what puts people off taking part in triathlon. The park is the location of the transition and there will be a DJ, playing some music and face painting for the kids making it a great day for all the family. Everyone who takes part in the race will receive a goodie bag and a t-shirt. Race entry is only €40 making it one of the cheaper triathlons to take part in across the country. There will be no opportunity to enter on the morning of the race, entries are only being taken online via the Triathlon Ireland website www.triathlonireland.com.
We recommend those interested in taking part sign up soon, as there are a limited number of entries and places are filling up fast. All competitors will receive a timing chip also, to give them exact times for the swim, bike and run legs individually. Last year’s winner, Trevor Woods, one of Cork’s best known triathletes is signed up and ready to defend his title, so this is the perfect opportunity to challenge him! Check out www.blackwatertriclub.com for more details.
We are also looking for marshals for this year’s triathlon and will be in touch with anyone who volunteered last year, but anyone who’s interested in helping out and seeing what a triathlon is about without having to take a part – your help would be greatly appreciated. Text Ciara on 086-8178828.
CORRECTION TO SWIM DISTANCE
In last’s week news section it was mentioned that the try-a-tri had a 350m swim, this was incorrect. The actual distance in the try-a-tri event is 250m swim, with a 20km bike and a 6km run.